Amnesty International asks Buhari-led govt to stop silencing critics

Amnesty International has asked the president Muhammadu Buhari’ Government to stop using security agencies to harass, silence critics and human rights defenders, describing it as a brazen conduct.

The Amnesty International issued this warning on Thursday to the recent invasion of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) by operatives of secret police SSS, describing the attack as an attempt to intimidate the organization.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned over the invasion of the office of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) by DSS operatives. It is shocking that a law enforcement agency acted without respect for the rule of law.

“This is yet another sign of Nigerian authorities’ escalating clampdown on civil society organizations,” the statement by AI read.

“We condemn this brazen attempt by the DSS to intimidate CISLAC, which has consistently exposed corruption and demanded accountability. Nigerian authorities must end this dangerous trend of using agencies like the DSS to silence its critics and target human rights defenders,” it added.

On monday, SSS operatives laid siege on the office of CISLAC in Abuja. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC calls on DSS Director General, Yusuf Bichi to investigate the invasion immediately and also asked Buhari to put an end to the incessant intimidation of critics by the security agencies.